You'll probably hear of stories that in BWC, you will start of being the lowest life form but fear not as things have changed since my batch came over. To put it simply, there are two "groups" of people there, the instructors and the trainee body. The trainee body holds itself with high expectations so it is very normal for the senior batch to dish out punishments to the junior batches and some punishments can be quite overkill at times. Why did I say things have changed was because the instructors stepped in after a parent complained about the punishment. You have to understand that this is a double-edged sword as the punishments do force us to learn things faster but it takes up our sleeping time on the other hand.

 

Now, on to the real deal, before starting simulation and flying, we will have to go through mass briefs, admin work and equipment fitting. The challenge here is to not fall asleep during the lectures as punishments given out by instructors are worse because you cant escape them. A good thing that started with our batch is that if there is an instructor flying solo, we get a chance to go on a familiarisation flight as a back seater. It is still being tested out so it might or might not be there for your batch.

 

One thing you will understand over at BWC is that you are full time pilot and part time other stuff. Be it maid, cleaner or IT guy. Other than flying, you are required to do duties like refilling water, opening squadron, managing ops and cleaning the squadron etc. The secondary duties gets easier as you progress in seniority but the responsibility gets greater.

 

Flying over here is split into ground preparation and actual flying. Before every flight there will be ground discussion with your instructor and if you do not meet his standards, he can fail you on the ground before you even step for flight. Ask whenever you are in doubt and when you ask, go up the line, meaning you ask your coursemates then your direct senior followed by their seniors and if everyone doesn't have a clue, approach the instructors. If an instructor ever ask you a question or to find out something, make sure you get back to them by the end of the day, if you can't, make sure to inform them that you will get back to them at a specific timing the following day.

 

2 weeks into being at Peare will be your welcome night where you have to present tot he squadron some performances, course cheer, individual self intro and be presented your course patch! Another thing you will get used to here is that every Friday is mess night. And during mess night, you drink nothing other than beer. One good thing about it is that the instructors separate work and party very clearly. You can mingle with them and ask them any questions that you don't know after work. They might ask you to go find out but more likely than not, they will tell you answers or at least where you can find the answers.

 

To enjoy 130 squadron, you have to give 110% effort during Monday to Friday and party your heart out during the weekends. With that said, you have to be prepared for your following week's flight.

 

Having said all these, I am afraid I will no longer be able to provide anymore help as my journey in RSAF ends here. The flights are alright but with all the little things add together, it can be quite overwhelming. Not to mention that you have to hit it off with your instructor or you will suffer. I wish you all the best of luck in your journey and a quote from my favourite instructor "FLY SAFE, ALWAYS"